I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I really can’t emphasis this point enough: Couchsurfing.com is fantastic for language learners.

And not just for hosts/guests. It can be a godsend in your home town too and it needn’t involve a single couch.

I have raved about Couchsurfing’s Buenos Aires forum before (see: Top three ways to meet locals in Buenos Aires), but I have yet to mention the specific ‘language exchange’ subgroup. This thriving hub is where you’ll find all manner of people arranging group conversation sessions or requesting one-on-one meets. “My English for your Spanish”, “Your Italian for my French” etc. I even found a group of Argentinians wanting to get together to learn Dutch.

On Monday, I attended the weekly get-together of French speakers in Buenos Aires for the second time in a row. Ever since August they have been meeting at around 8.30pm for a relaxed conversation session over a few drinks in Bar Madagascar on Plaza Serrano.

I was a bit nervous about turning up for the first time, as my French is beyond rusty, but I found them to be a really friendly bunch. They insist that it doesn’t matter if you speak slowly, if you make mistakes or if you revert to another language when you get stuck. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level they’re at. The group is almost all Argentinian, although native French speakers pop along from time to time too. Indeed, it was a French friend that alerted me to the group. She’s a teacher (francesamedida.com) and now recommends her students attend these free sessions for extra practice.

The BA couchsurfing forum is particularly outstanding, but I am sure many of the other city forums worldwide are just as good for finding and arranging language exchanges. As always, if you don’t see a meet-up that’s already on the cards, you can dive in and arrange one yourself. As an English speaker, you’ll soon find there are plenty of people who’ll be willing to do a skill swap.

Recently, I have meet a lot of people who are here in Argentina to learn Spanish and as they approach the end of their trip they are worried about falling out of practice when they arrive home. Couchsurfing could be their best bet for keeping up those skills.

Alamo has approximately 200 hire car stations in the UK. As well as being in most major towns and cities Alamo car hire can also be found in major airports and train stations. So you're never far from great car hire.

Looking to hire a car from a UK airport? Why not hire from Alamo UK? Our car rental services can be found in most of the UK's major airports and we have a large selection of cars to choose from. Visit Alamo today!

Alamo Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day and is conveniently located for your travels in the South East of England. Visit Alamo car rental today and start exploring the sights. Pick up a great car hire deal now!

Alamo car hire in Bristol is the gateway to the South West of England. Pick up your hire car from Alamo and explore coastal regions such as Devon and Cornwall. Visit Alamo car rental for new cars at affordable prices.

Alamo car hire at London Heathrow Airport is the ideal starting point to explore the Nation's capital. Book London Heathrow car rental now with Alamo to ensure your hire car is ready the minute you pick up your bags.

About Us
P&O Ferries boasts the largest fleet of ships offering a wide range of services and facilities on ferries to France and the Continent. Passengers can book a ferry online, or with their call centre.

Onboard
The variety of facilities onboard your cheap ferry crossing will add so much more to your sense of escape and relaxation, helping you arrive at your destination totally refreshed and raring to go. P&O Ferries are more than just a car ferry operator.

France
A ferry to France with P&O give you many holiday options whether it's the cosmopolitan and romantic ambience of Paris or the laid back way of life in Provence. There is also the 'best fare sailing', providing cheap ferries for this route.

Spain
From the intimate coves of Asturias to the ancient Basque traditions of Navarra, there is so much on offer for those boarding ferries to Spain. The adventure starts as soon as you book your ferry tickets.

Amsterdam
Whether you want to wander along idyllic canals, watch the world go by in one of its numerous cafes, or explore the stunning architecture, a ferry to Amsterdam really does have something for everyone.